How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

And More Common Questions about Metal Roofs

A metal roof is an investment designed to last for decades, but how much should you expect to spend on one?

The cost of a metal roof depends on the type of roofing system you choose, the size and complexity of your roof and the amount of material needed to complete the project. Installation costs can also vary significantly based on the design of the roof and the experience required to install the system correctly.

For materials, most exposed fastener metal roofing systems cost around $2 to $3 per square foot, including the panels, accessories and trim needed for the roofing system. A concealed fastener system generally costs around $3.50 to $5 per square foot for materials.

Those numbers provide a useful starting point, but they don’t tell the whole story. Before estimating the cost of your metal roof, you’ll need to know how much roofing material you actually need.

How to Measure for A Metal Roof

Knowing the square footage of your home isn’t enough to determine how much metal roofing you need. You need the surface area of the roof itself.

For a simple gable roof, you can get a rough estimate by measuring the length and slope length of each rectangular roof plane and multiplying the two numbers together.

For example, imagine a simple gable roof with two sides that each measure 40 feet long and 18 feet from the ridge to the eave.

40 feet × 18 feet = 720 square feet

Because there are two sides:

720 × 2 = 1,440 square feet of roof area

However, you wouldn’t necessarily order exactly 1,440 square feet of metal roofing.

Don’t Forget About Waste

Metal roofing typically requires a larger waste allowance than shingles because panels must be cut to fit the roof. This is particularly important on roofs with hips, valleys and other features that require angled or custom cuts.

As a general rule, adding around 10% to 15% for waste can provide a better estimate of how much material you’ll need. More complicated roofs may require a larger allowance.

Using a 15% waste factor for our example:

1,440 × 1.15 = 1,656 square feet

That means you might plan for approximately 1,656 square feet of material rather than the roof’s actual 1,440-square-foot surface area.

This is still only a planning estimate. Panel lengths, roof layout and the specific roofing system can all affect the amount of material required, so an accurate material takeoff is important before placing an order.

What Affects the Cost of a Metal Roof?

Two houses with the same amount of roof area can have very different metal roofing costs. There are several factors that determine the final price.

Types of Metal Roofing Systems

One of the biggest factors is whether you choose an exposed or concealed fastener system.

With an exposed fastener roof, screws are installed through the face of the metal panels and remain visible after installation. These systems are generally the more affordable option, with material costs around $2 per square foot for the roofing system, accessories and trim.

A concealed fastener system hides the fasteners beneath the panels. These systems generally cost more, with materials around $3.50 to $4 per square foot.

The right choice depends on your budget, the look you want and the needs of the building.

Roof Complexity

A simple roof is typically less expensive to cover than a roof with multiple hips, valleys and other architectural details.

Every additional detail can affect the project in two ways. First, it may require more material because panels have to be cut to fit, increasing waste. Second, it takes an installer more time and skill to work around those areas.

As roof complexity increases, both material and labor costs can increase with it.

Trim and Accessories

A metal roofing system consists of more than the panels themselves. Ridge caps, flashing, closures, fasteners, trim and other accessories are needed to create a complete roofing system.

The exact components depend on the roof, which is another reason a simple price-per-square-foot calculation should be considered an estimate rather than a final project cost.

Installation

Metal roofing requires a different skill set than installing a traditional shingle roof, and finding an experienced metal roofing installer can sometimes be more difficult.

Installation is also one area where cutting costs can become expensive later. A high-quality metal panel cannot compensate for improper installation. The condition and preparation of the roof deck, underlayment and insulation, along with proper fastening and flashing, all play a role in how the finished roof performs.

The more complicated the roof, the more installation costs are likely to increase as well.

Is A Metal Roof More Expensive Than Shingles?

Metal roofing generally has a higher upfront cost than asphalt shingles, but upfront price is only one part of the comparison.

A typical asphalt shingle roof may last around 15 to 20 years, while a properly installed metal roof can provide 40 to 50 years of service or more, depending on the roofing system, environment and maintenance.

That longer lifespan can make the initial investment easier to understand. A homeowner who remains in a house for several decades may need to replace a shingle roof more than once during the same period that a metal roof remains in service.

It is also difficult to compare metal and shingles based solely on the material price per square foot. The two roofing systems have different installation requirements and waste factors, and the design of the roof can affect each differently.

Can a Metal Roof Help With Energy Costs?

The potential savings associated with a metal roof aren’t limited to how long it lasts.

Metal roofing reflects more solar energy and does not retain heat in the same way traditional asphalt shingles can. It also cools more quickly once the sun goes down.

The exact effect on your utility bills will depend on factors such as the color and coating of the metal, insulation, ventilation, climate and overall construction of the home. However, improved heat reflection can contribute to better energy performance and is one of the long-term benefits homeowners may not consider when comparing roofing costs.

Are Metal Roofs Noisy?

The sound of a metal roof depends as much on what is underneath it as it does on the metal itself.

If you’ve ever stood inside a barn with exposed metal roofing and little or no insulation underneath, you’ve probably heard how loud rain can be. That isn’t necessarily what you should expect inside a finished home.

Decking, underlayment and insulation all help reduce sound transmission. In a properly constructed and insulated home, most homeowners won’t notice a dramatic difference in everyday noise simply because the roof is metal.

What Types of Metal Roofing Are Available?

Signature Steel offers several panel profiles that can be used for roofing, including standard 3-foot-wide roofing panels and standing seam systems.

The right profile can affect both the appearance and cost of the roof. Exposed fastener panels offer an economical option for many residential, agricultural and commercial applications, while concealed fastener systems provide a streamlined appearance with no exposed screws.

Some specialty metal profiles are designed specifically for siding rather than roofing, so it’s important to choose a panel intended for your application.

Is A Metal Roof Worth the Cost?

For many property owners, the biggest argument for metal roofing is longevity.

The upfront cost may be higher than some traditional roofing materials, particularly if you choose a concealed fastener system or have a complicated roof. In return, you’re investing in a roofing system that can provide decades of service while offering benefits such as heat reflection, durability and a distinctive appearance.

Ultimately, the best way to determine how much your metal roof will cost is to start with the size and design of your roof. Once you know the approximate square footage, Signature Steel can help you determine the appropriate roofing system and the panels, trim and accessories you’ll need to complete the project